Villa were nervous at times as Everton reduced the deficit twice, but Sherwood says the performance was dealt with under pressure, and that the clubs in the relegation fight may need over 40 points to survive.

“There’s a lot of pressure on us now, but the boys are coping with it really well and sticking to the game plan.

“We’re getting closer to the line but we need a few more wins. I think we need two more wins, maybe three.

“Everyone was saying it could be the lowest total ever, that’s rubbish, it could be the highest total ever.”